Families book in for picnic funtime

FAMILIES packed into Springfield Park for an afternoon of stories, songs and games to celebrate National Bookstart Week.

The annual councilrun Bookstart Bear picnic in the park was declared a resounding success despite the unseasonably strong winds.

Entertainment was led by early years library worker, Irene Peachey, with every child going home with a free mini copy of A Busy Day for Birds by author Lucy Cousins.

Families also enjoyed miniature train rides, explored a real fire engine and met birds from Wise Owl Bird of Prey Rescue.

The aim of National Bookstart Week is to encourage a love of books amongst children under 5 and to introduce them to the joys of reading and learning.

This year’s theme was ‘Bookstart Bird Boogie’.

Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries, said: “National Bookstart Week is a brilliant concept and the perfect way to introduce children to the joys of stories and rhymes. It was great to see so many young families enjoying the event which seems to get bigger and better by the year. Well done to everyone in the library service for their hard work and organisation in ensuring the day ran smoothly from start to finish.”

Bookstart Bear Club sessions, run by Irene, operate in six libraries across the borough throughout the year. Visit rochdale.gov.uk/ libraries for more details.